The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Intellectual Property Office (TTIPO), hosted a virtual seminar on Friday to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day 2026 under the theme “IP and Sport: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
The seminar attracted 86 participants, including representatives of national governing bodies (NGBs), athletes, sport administrators, educators and other sport stakeholders, and explored the growing role of intellectual property (IP) in sport development, innovation and commercialization.
In his opening remarks, SporTT’s Head of Partnerships and Alliances, Kairon Serrette, highlighted the importance of IP in building a sustainable and commercially viable sports industry. He noted that trademarks, copyrights, broadcasting rights, merchandising and licensing are increasingly critical to the successful hosting and commercialization of sporting events.
Serrette also emphasized the economic potential of sport tourism and major sporting events, pointing to Trinidad and Tobago’s experience hosting regional and international competitions such as the CARIFTA Games, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 as examples of how sport can strengthen destination marketing and economic activity.
TTIPO Controller Regan Asgarali and Technical Examiner Nicholas Gayahpersad provided an overview of intellectual property rights and their application within sport, examining how patents, trademarks, copyrights and industrial designs support innovation in sporting equipment, athlete branding, broadcasting and sports technology.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion on “Innovation in Sport: Are We Doing Enough as a Region?” moderated by Serrette and featuring internationally recognized sports lawyer Dr. Emir Crowne, intellectual property specialist Dr. Thomas Farkas, UWI law lecturer Dr. Justin Koo and TTIPO’s Nicholas Gayahpersad.
During the discussion, Dr. Koo stressed the importance of creating an environment that supports innovation and growth within the sports sector.
“Innovation in sport cannot thrive without the right ecosystem. Education, financing and awareness of intellectual property rights are all critical to ensuring that athletes, organisations and innovators can protect and grow their ideas.”
Dr. Crowne underscored the need for Caribbean stakeholders to place greater value on protecting and commercialising sporting innovations and ideas.
“Intellectual property is central to the future of sport — from athlete branding and broadcasting to technology and event development. If the Caribbean is to maximise the value of its sporting talent and creativity, we must place greater focus on protecting and commercialising our ideas.”
Dr. Farkas also highlighted the growing importance of data, technology and intellectual property in the global sports industry.
“Sport is no longer just about the game itself. It has evolved into a rights-driven innovation economy where data, technology and intellectual property are becoming increasingly important to athletes, manufacturers, organisations and fans alike.”
SporTT Chairman Kester Lendor said the seminar formed part of the ongoing collaboration between SporTT and TTIPO to strengthen awareness around intellectual property within the local sporting landscape.
“This seminar reflects the strong partnership between SporTT and TTIPO under our existing Memorandum of Understanding and our shared commitment to increasing awareness of intellectual property in sport,” said Lendor.
“The strong participation from stakeholders shows there is growing interest in this area, and we look forward to continuing the conversation through future initiatives, including an in-person seminar later this year,” he added.
The seminar formed part of the global observance of World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated annually on April 26 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
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